Papa John’s to enter Tunisia

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Papa John’s International Inc. will be one of the first US restaurant brands to enter Tunisia. Tunisia is the second African country after Egypt to have a Papa John’s franchise.

A Tunisian QSR leader and franchisee, Sofiene Ghali, is excited to bring Papa John’s pizza to his home country of Tunisia that just recently opened its borders to outside franchising. Ghali currently owns and operates 25 hamburger and sandwich restaurants and believes that Pap John’s will satisfy citizens’ craving for freshly made pizza.

“We are honored to be a part of bringing Papa John’s to Tunisia. There is a strong demand for high-quality pizzas and friendly service,” Ghali, said in a statement. “Papa John’s original hand-tossed fresh, never frozen dough, fresh-packed tomato sauce and high quality cheese made from mozzarella make a truly better pizza.” Ghali will own and operate a Papa John’s in Tunis, Tunisia.

“The Papa John’s brand continues to grow in Northern Africa and we are pleased to partner with Mr. Ghali as he opens his first restaurant in Tunis, Tunisia,” said Tim O’Hern, senior vice President and chief development officer of Papa John’s International, Inc. “We are looking forward to introducing everyone in Tunisia to our quality ingredients and better pizza.”

Papa John’s will continue to expand into North Africa with plans to open another restaurant in Morocco later this summer, according to a statement from the company. In late May, the company opened a restaurant in Northern France and anticipates further European growth, as well.